12/06/2019
A cat missing for three months ends with the miraculous news that he's found, in time before the wicked cold weather. Milo was found by USDA using a net on airport grounds aided by the highly effective and successful animal tracking service Pure Gold Pet Trackers.
On October 3, Milo's human, U.S. Army Captain Molly McFadden, returned from her four-year overseas deployment on a Lufthansa flight from Munich to Washington Dulles International Airport. At baggage claim, she found a battered crate with no signs of her beloved cat. He was stowed in the plane's cargo hold during flight, and got out sometime between the time he was transported onto the tarmac at Dulles and when his flight kennel arrived in international baggage claim. McFadden said it was "a nightmare I never even considered."
She said, “Initially, the airline told me they were searching the plane itself since they believed he had escaped during flight — however, they said the door was pushed in when they found him gone, and I still don’t think he would’ve yanked the door towards himself to escape.”
My Labradors have flown in cargo and I've carried Nalu on board going through Dulles countless times. And, I've met baggage handlers who've shared with me horrifying stories of unbelievable things people pack, and the very real difficulties bag handlers face. They work to beat the clock offloading bags to the carousel in record speed. Most bags are overpacked, and cause severe injuries. (I'm known to get the red tag of shame - marked "Heavy").
I'm not defending whoever or however Milo's crate was damaged, and I don't know all the facts. Thankfully Milo was found alive, and hopefully uninjured and healthy. That Milo's kennel was damaged and the locked door pushed in brings to mind images of what poor Milo might have undergone and possible injuries.
Milo's experience is an example of the issues brought to animal lawyers. Animal law attorneys help pet owners when their pet has been injured or killed at the hands of another. If your pet is harmed in some way, consult with an experienced animal lawyer in your state to ensure you understand your legal rights and possible remedies.
I have been waiting so long to make this post and couldn’t be more excited about it - guess who’s home for the holidays!!! I am so thankful to the Dulles Airport USDA and all the team that helped look for him. A special thanks also to Sam Connelly from Pure Gold Pet Trackers and Bonnie Westbrook (aka Team Milo) for helping me stay hopeful and for putting so much work into tracking him down.m. And thanks to everyone who followed for their support and well wishes. The little guy is so lucky to be loved by so many people ♥️
